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The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is ideally suited for school and youth groups with ancient history and modern activities, fun experiences and unique locations.
You'll find that many of our businesses have special resources for school trips to help make your planning even easier: Puzzlewood has learning resources for six educational topics that cover different aspects of the National Curriculum; The Dean Heritage Centre – the ‘museum of the Forest’ – has a learning catalogue for schools with a range of options; The Dean Forest Railway can run workshops, museum and signal box tours and has three educational fact sheets to cover KS1-3. Clearwell Caves, Hopewell Colliery and many other businesses offer guided tours for school groups too.
Outdoor activities include bushcraft, wildlife safaris and birdwatching tours, watersports, rock climbing and abseiling. You'll also find that a number of activities can be provided at other locations, for example bushcraft or archery can often come to you, and if staying overnight many accommodation providers can organise activities on site. You’ll also find several businesses who provide a range of activities and could put on a half-day, full day or multi-day package for you meaning less time on the coach and more time making memories and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Looking for an overnight stay? We have youth hostels in medieval castles and in idyllic locations alongside the River Wye and we have a youth campsite especially suited for school trips with direct access to the river ideal for watersports.
All of our hostels and bunkhouses can be found here.
All of our campsites can be found here.
You can also see a full list of everything there is to see and do suitable for large coaches here. This includes picturesque and free locations such as Symonds Yat Rock and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail which are also ideal for bird spotting and learning about the natural world. We have local tour guides who can provide talks too.
Number of results: 46
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Longhope
Cookery experiences for all ages and budgets. We offer holiday activities, parties, cooking and baking classes. Bespoke experiences for family groups and friends are available. Venue hire and meeting room. Catering and private chef hire across a wide area.
Ross-on-Wye
As a family we have run our Adventure centre on the East bank of the river Wye since 1987. We specialise in Canoe Hire from an hour to multiple day trips and everything in between.
Gloucester
Leaf Creative is the place to go to find fabulous and unusual plant specimens that can inject instant structure, colour and texture into your garden. We pride ourselves on stocking specialist plants that are rarely found in a conventional garden centre.
Parkend
Beautiful lake in the Forest of Dean, popular for walking, with lots of picnic benches, nearby cycle paths and a cafe and toilets on site.
Cinderford
Hello from the local experts in eco-tourism and wellbeing through nature connection! At Wilde Earth Journeys we believe that humans need more than ever to be better connected to the places we spend time in and to the planet. We are the go-to local experts for your perfect Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) experience here in the ancient Forest of Dean. As fully permissioned, insured and trained walk guides we offer you opportunities to slow down, find some peace, enjoy nature and be in the company of friendly, like-minded people.
Coleford
Beechenhurst, managed by Forestry England, lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, and is a great place to start your forest adventure. Trail, play area, picnic spots, Go Ape and cafe.
Tintern
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Clearwell
Discover the wonder of under! The ancient mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees; they are an exciting underground experience for the whole family, an unfathomable natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4,500 years. Cafe, shop, picnic area, free parking. Deep level adventure caving available.
Ross-On-Wye
We are your Wye Valley Canoe, Kayak and Paddleboard hire experts...
Based in beautiful Symonds Yat West, with online booking your river Wye adventure couldn't be simpler. We cater for couples, families and groups and have a range of self-guided trips for you to choose from.
Coleford
Puzzlewood is a magical day out in the Forest of Dean. An enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. A popular TV & film location inc Star Wars.
Usk
Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.
Coleford
This working colliery is an unmissable experience set in the midst of the glorious Forest of Dean. Mined since the 1800s, the colliery gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the ancient and fascinating tradition of freemining in the safe hands of an expert freeminer. Sink below the Forest floor for a unique adventure and take the 45-minute tour through the dark tunnels before emerging back into serene woodland. Follow it with a hot drink and bite to eat at the friendly Hopewell Cafe.
Near Coleford
The only bike hire location with direct access to the Forest of Deans's traffic free family & mountain bike trails! Bike hire fleet includes e-bikes, a choice of premium Whyte bike models for mountain bike or leisure trails, kids' bikes, child seats, trailers and tagalongs. Trailers for dogs also available. We also have a cafe, bike shop, workshop, toilets, showers, bike wash & parking.
Free tea or Americano coffee with every Breakfast at PBA Cafe Tues to Thursday AND save 20p on all hot drinks EVERYDAY when you have a mug instead of a takeaway cup (or bring your own travel mug) - to reduce waste.
*Term time only*
More offers like this - Food and Drink Offers
Hire bike Monday, Tues and Friday and get voucher for free coffee/cake at PBA Cafe (will include Wed/Thurs after Easter)
*Term time only*
More offers like this - Things To Do Offers
Chepstow
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Symonds Yat West
Walk with butterflies as you explore the incredible and beautiful world of these wonderful creatures. This safari is for everyone with an interest in the environment, and has some wonderful photographic opportunities, come and see!
Lydney
Enjoy a round of woodland themed adventure golf at Whitemead Forest Park, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Made up of 12 holes, complimented with expertly crafted features such as woodland creatures, flora and locally themed elements. It’s a great activity that all the family can enjoy together.
Symonds Yat West
This traditional hedge maze is great fun for everyone. Find your way to the Temple at the centre, play hide 'n seek and tag! There is a puzzle shop and a fascinating museum of mazes. Alongside the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and Wye Valley Miniature Golf at Symonds Yat West.
Mallards Pike and Beechenhurst
If you want to get your blood pumping a little more, then you're in luck! Nestled deep within the Forest are some of the best high outdoor activities.
Coleford
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business, based in the Forest of Dean offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. All our activities are run by qualified and experienced instructors, who will make your experience fun, while sharing their knowledge of the activities and areas with you.
Lydney
Journey through the medieval Forest of Dean from Lydney to Parkend on a steam train or heritage diesel train service. Free parking, cafeteria, museum and gift shop at Norchard Station. A heritage railway offering a Forest experience from the comfort of your carriage. Cream teas, meals and experiences available.
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*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.